After starting out like a house on fire with eight goals in its first two games, Brazil has now gone scoreless in its last two. Despite dominating possession and launching a total of 33 shots (11 on target), they couldn’t find a way past South Africa in their final group game and had to settle for a 0-0 draw. Granted, they didn’t need to go full effort in that match as they likely would’ve topped Group E anyway.
However, they were once again blanked after 90 minutes in their quarterfinal against Australia. They launched 26 shots, but only seven were on target as they needed penalties to get past the Matildas.
But as long as they keep creating chances, the Brazilians should still be in good shape for their semifinal against Sweden. The Brazilians had just 16 shots against the Swedes when they met during the group stage, and came away with a 5-1 win. Beatriz and Marta led the way with two goals apiece. The legendary Marta is now up to 105 goals in 114 international caps.
With those two leading the way, it’s tough to see the Brazilians and all their attacking weapons going a third game without a goal.
Sweden pulled off the shock of the tournament as it sent the mighty USA packing after penalties. After a very disappointing showing during the group stage, manager Pia Sundhage was able to craft a gameplan to stymie the Americans, and they ably managed to hold their nerve from the spot.
Make no mistake, though, the Swedes were still easily second-best in that contest against the U.S. They were outshot 26-3, and only threatened from set pieces and the odd counterattack. Most of that was by design, though. Sundhage was happy to sit her team deep and dare the Americans to break them down. That gamble worked, and as a result, she will likely stick with that gameplan in the rematch against Brazil.
The Brazilians have not been as clinical in front of goal as they were when they first met. If the Swedes can perform with the same defensive organization and determination they showed against U.S., they could be able to sneak through with another surprise upset. It’s a big if, though, especially against the highly-favored hosts.
Writer’s Prediction
Brazil (-189) rediscovers its touch in front of goal and scores a 2-0 win over Sweden.
